Repentance is the gift no one wants until fully received.
- Robert R. Pennington
Given modern life’s onslaught of doubt and worldliness, temptation and deception, there is no question Churchianity stands in desperate need of revival, if not reformation. All the more so as Biblical illiteracy and a general prayerlessness devolves hundreds of millions of modern believers into practical agnostics,
A transformation made additionally tragic in light of Christ’s judgment of His churches in the Book of Revelation and the stage being set for John’s prophecy of the Great Tribulation. The need for authentic revival has never been greater. Yet, is God more likely to pour out His Spirit on sinful and self absorbed believers, or those first following Scripture’s formula for repentance in prayerful and studious brokenness and humility?
Blow the ram’s horn trumpet in Zion! Declare a day of repentance, a holy fast day. Call a public meeting. Get everyone there. Consecrate the congregation. Make sure the elders come, but bring in the children, too, even the nursing babies, Even men and women on their honeymoon—interrupt them and get them there.
- Joel 2:15-15 MSG
We all trust the story we tell ourselves will have a happy ending. By nature, such predictions are more pronounced within the community of faith. The Bible itself is filled with innumerable passages offering hope and help. Yet, as has been noted, an even greater number of verses apply conditions to the promises of Scripture. Not surprisingly, these tend to go unnoticed.
In the same way, we like to imagine our relationship with God as solid. After all, the Bible was written for the very purpose of reconciling lost humanity to it’s loving Creator. Christ’s overwhelmingly costly atonement (at-one-ment) literally rent the vail separating us from God’s holiness and glory:
“But Jesus, again crying out loudly, breathed his last. At that moment, the Temple curtain was ripped in two, top to bottom. There was an earthquake, and rocks were split in pieces. What’s more, tombs were opened up, and many bodies of believers asleep in their graves were raised. (After Jesus’ resurrection, they left the tombs, entered the holy city, and appeared to many.) Matthew 27:50-53 The Message
“The unspiritual self, just as it is by nature, can’t receive the gifts of God’s Spirit. There’s no capacity for them. They seem like so much silliness. Spirit can be known only by spirit—God’s Spirit and our spirits in open communion.” 1 Corinthians 2:14 The Message
“It is pleasant to see plans develop. That is why fools refuse to give them up even when they are wrong.” Proverbs 13:19 Living Bible
Given the quantum nature of living out our faith, it’s preferable to major on the positive rather than dwell on negatives. After all, even when fractured into scores of denominations and plagued by worldliness, a lot can be said for modern Christianity. We enjoy our beautiful churches and programs. We’re comforted by encouraging worship and messages. We value relationships with leaders and fellow believers. All well intentioned attitudes the New Testament seems to support:
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Philippians 4:8 New International Version
With every indicator of spiritual health pegged in the red, it’s clear modern life’s onslaught of doubt and worldliness, temptation and deception, has left Churchianity in desperate need of revival. If not reformation. All the more so when considering Christ’s judgment of His churches in the Book of Revelation and the stage being set for John’s prophecy of the Great Tribulation. This discloses a serious concern. Is God more likely to pour out His Spirit on sinful and self absorbed believers, or those first following Scripture’s formula for repentance in prayerful and studious brokenness and humility?
From evangelism to discipleship, from doctrine to practice, from worship to communion, from prayer to miraculous power, Churchianity has so fallen from grace as to need a re-baptism. The original outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost gave birth and empowerment to the 1st century church. This unprecedented move of God began with John the Baptist’s message of extreme repentance preparing the way for Christ.
Few appreciate what an amazingly significant role John’s accomplishment played in preparing "stubborn and hardheaded” believers for the appearance of their Redeemer. Without a single recorded miracle, John's coming in the spirit of Elijah, accomplished what Elijah’s three accounts of heavenly fire could not. Jews, perhaps even including Pharisees, came to immerse themselves in the waters of the Jordan. The entire region thereby participating in an unprecedented act of repentance.
Baptism, as instituted by John, exemplified by Jesus and implemented by the apostles was Scripturally unique. While the concept may have arisen from the Jewish ceremonial washings of Mikveh, John's application was certainly next generation. John used baptism to demonstrate his message of extraordinary repentance by requiring Jews to undergo a rite reserved for Gentile converts. Baptism, for example, is listed by the Jewish philosopher Maimonides, along with circumcision and sacrifice, as one of the three requirements for Gentile proselytes to Judaism. By commanding Israel to repent and be baptized, John dramatized his message that God’s people had fallen from their privileged position as "sons of Abraham."
There is no modern equivalent in Christendom. Even the Pope commanding all Catholics to be re-baptized and re-confirmed, and/or a Billy Graham figure demanding all Born Again Christians get back to the altar and pray through until it took, would fail in comparison. Such proclamations would be as radical as they would be unwelcomed. Yet, not nearly so much as that of the Baptist’s. Jews inherited their faith and had never been baptized into it to begin with. Additionally, males proudly carried in their bodies the mark of sanctification through circumcision.
Of particular interest is the method John employs for his altar call. The first of only two recorded in the New Testament. Establishing himself as the Baptist, he calls Israel to repentance, yet note the tenor of his accusation and its unusual timing. While his audience obediently responds, John stops them short with a strange question:
Then he said to the multitudes that came out to be baptized by him, “Brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance, and do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I say to you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones. And even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” Luke 3:7-9 New King James Version
John seems to rubs Israel's nose in their unworthiness to even repent. And this before they had met, much less rejected, their Messiah. The no doubt offended and perplexed church of his day, pressed by his menacing warnings, cried out in confusion:
So the people asked him, saying, “What shall we do then?” He answered and said to them, “He who has two tunics, let him give to him who has none; and he who has food, let him do likewise.” Then tax collectors also came to be baptized, and said to him, “Teacher, what shall we do?” And he said to them, “Collect no more than what is appointed for you.” Likewise the soldiers asked him, saying, “And what shall we do?” So he said to them, “Do not intimidate anyone or accuse falsely, and be content with your wages."... And with many other exhortations he preached to the people. Luke 3:10-18 New King James Version
Given how far 21st century Churchianity has fallen from not only 1st century Christianity, but the Judaism of the period that produced it, one wonders what acts of pre-revival repentance might be necessary should we hope for a New Pentecost. With the lifestyle of Christians in the First World largely indistinguishable from our worldly counterparts, neither of which measure up to yesterday's honest heathens the gospel was intended to reach and change, we are in dire need of such a revival.
Further troubling are Scripture's many warnings dealing with just such a scenario. Particularly End Times ones. The prophets, Jesus and His apostles all agree that "God is not mocked.” As we sow, so shall we reap. While still today, Omnity in merciful patience extends salvation to those who by living faith embrace costly rather than cheep grace. To this end, identifying the differences are important. A frequently overlooked first step in turning from darkness to light and learning to approach God acceptably.
While it is crucial to avoid merely drawing near to God with our lips, drawing near we must. Let us hope He is still calling, "Come let us reason together." Let us accept His most generous offer before it is rescinded. As Peter warns, God's inaction should not be mistaken as acquiescence or approval, "but is long suffering towards us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance."
Even so, His patience is not forever. As Peter continues:
“But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat?” 2 Peter 3:10-11 New King James Version
With such thoughts in mind, we do well to individually and collectively practice the vanishing arts of brokenness and repentance, honesty and humility. Let us cease trading presumption for faith, in our prayers and worship, teaching and fellowship. Having done so, by all means let us cautiously yet boldly approach Omnity’s “throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”
Befitting the greatest born among women, John’s admonitions are indicative of the Bible’s prophetic advice. As a kind of break glass in times of emergency measure, several Old Testament prophets strongly recommend dealing with doubtful habits and sins head on. The following is a summary of a few helpful passages:
1. Isaiah’s Initial Warning:
“Stop bringing meaningless offerings! Your incense is detestable to me. New Moons, Sabbaths and convocations—I cannot bear your worthless assemblies. Your New Moon feasts and your appointed festivals I hate with all my being. They have become a burden to me; I am weary of bearing them. When you spread out your hands in prayer, I hide my eyes from you; even when you offer many prayers, I am not listening. Your hands are full of blood! Wash and make yourselves clean. Take your evil deeds out of my sight; stop doing wrong. Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow. “Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the good things of the land; but if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.” For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” Isaiah 1:13-20 New International Version (NIV)
Isaiah explained the religious observances of the Church of his day were worse that useless, being irritating to God.
He assured God has stopped watching their futile attempts to gain His attention and refused to hear their prayers any longer.
He warned this is because their hands were "full of blood."
He demanded God’s people repent; ie. halt, about-face and march from doing wrong to learning to do right.
He admonished them to wash themselves in the service of the needy.
He bid them to come and receive forgiveness and blessing or be devoured in judgment.
2. Amos and The Day of the Lord:
“Woe to you who long for the day of the Lord! Why do you long for the day of the Lord? That day will be darkness, not light. It will be as though a man fled from a lion only to meet a bear, as though he entered his house and rested his hand on the wall only to have a snake bite him. Will not the day of the Lord be darkness, not light— pitch-dark, without a ray of brightness? “I hate, I despise your religious festivals; your assemblies are a stench to me. Even though you bring me burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them. Though you bring choice fellowship offerings, I will have no regard for them. Away with the noise of your songs! I will not listen to the music of your harps. But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream! “Did you bring me sacrifices and offerings forty years in the wilderness, people of Israel? You have lifted up the shrine of your king, the pedestal of your idols, the star of your god—which you made for yourselves. Therefore I will send you into exile beyond Damascus,” says the Lord, whose name is God Almighty.” Amos 5:18-27 New International Version
Amos decried those who desire the "day of the Lord".
He warned it will be a day of gloom for God’s people who make a pretense of doing so. Of all generations who fits this description better than Churchianity today?
He described the deadliness of that time for God's wayward people.
He reiterated Isaiah's cry against their feast days, sacred assemblies, offerings and worship music.
He admonished them to reverse course and do acts of “justice” and “righteousness."
He revealed that Israel had carried idols, perhaps even the child sacrificing tabernacle of Moloch, while wondering in the wilderness with Moses! Might God be equally or more displeased with His peoples apathy and/or participation in aborting the pre-born to the tune of 60 million or more in America, and over a billion worldwide, through clinical abortion and/or contraceptive abortifacients?
3. Joel’s Clarion Call for Repentance:
“Blow the trumpet in Zion; sound the alarm on my holy hill. Let all who live in the land tremble, for the day of the Lord is coming. It is close at hand—a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and blackness. Like dawn spreading across the mountains a large and mighty army comes, such as never was in ancient times nor ever will be in ages to come. Before them fire devours, behind them a flame blazes. Before them the land is like the garden of Eden, behind them, a desert waste—nothing escapes them. They have the appearance of horses; they gallop along like cavalry. With a noise like that of chariots they leap over the mountaintops, like a crackling fire consuming stubble, like a mighty army drawn up for battle. At the sight of them, nations are in anguish; every face turns pale. They charge like warriors; they scale walls like soldiers. They all march in line, not swerving from their course. They do not jostle each other; each marches straight ahead. They plunge through defenses without breaking ranks. They rush upon the city; they run along the wall. They climb into the houses; like thieves they enter through the windows. Before them the earth shakes, the heavens tremble the sun and moon are darkened, and the stars no longer shine. The Lord thunders at the head of his army; his forces are beyond number, and mighty is the army that obeys his command. The day of the Lord is great; it is dreadful. Who can endure it? “Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.” Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity. Who knows? He may turn and relent and leave behind a blessing—grain offerings and drink offerings for the Lord your God. Blow the trumpet in Zion, declare a holy fast, call a sacred assembly. Gather the people, consecrate the assembly; bring together the elders, gather the children, those nursing at the breast. Let the bridegroom leave his room and the bride her chamber. Let the priests, who minister before the Lord, weep between the portico and the altar. Let them say, “Spare your people, Lord. Do not make your inheritance an object of scorn, a byword among the nations. Why should they say among the peoples, ‘Where is their God?’” Joel 2:1-17 New International Version
Joel demanded God's people “blow the trumpet” to sound the invasion alarm.
He explained the Invader is God’s judgment wrapped in clouds and thick darkness.
He warned of a time of a great tribulation (likely the Great Tribulation). Including a “large and mighty army comes, such as never was in ancient times nor ever will be in ages to come.” “They have the appearance of horses; they gallop along like cavalry.” A statement appearing to identify Revelation’s 200 million many calvary, prophesied to kill one third of mankind.
He explained God requires true repentance, the kind that will change God’s mind.
He called for fasting in keeping with holding the Sacred Assembly. All hands were to be on deck. Lead by clergy weeping and begging in hope of mercy.
He promised afterward the Lord will "pour out His Spirit on all flesh…” Though by this point in the Great Tribulation Period billions will have already perished.
Joel described an End Time scenario, with great destruction and an apparent nuclear winter. Even so, all those who call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
4. Zephaniah’s Last Day’s Prophecy:
“The word of the Lord that came to Zephaniah son of Cushi, the son of Gedaliah, the son of Amariah, the son of Hezekiah, during the reign of Josiah son of Amon king of Judah: “I will sweep away everything from the face of the earth,” declares the Lord. “I will sweep away both man and beast; I will sweep away the birds in the sky and the fish in the sea—and the idols that cause the wicked to stumble.” When I destroy all mankind on the face of the earth,” declares the Lord.” Zephaniah 1:1-3 New International Version
“Gather together, gather yourselves together, you shameful nation, before the decree takes effect and that day passes like windblown chaff, before the Lord’s fierce anger comes upon you, before the day of the Lord’s wrath comes upon you. Seek the Lord, all you humble of the land, you who do what he commands. Seek righteousness, seek humility; perhaps you will be sheltered on the day of the Lord’s anger.” Zephaniah 2:1-3 New International Version - Emphasis QC’s
Zephaniah warned the Lord will utterly consume everything from the face of the land.
He included the backslider and the apathetic.
He recommended being silent before the Lord.
He called for God's people to gather together (call the Sacred Assembly) to develop a survival strategy.
He warned timing is everything. It must be done before, before, before it's too late.
He demanded the church of his day "seek the Lord" in authentic "righteousness" and "humility."
He encouraged them to do so that they might be hidden in the day of the Lord's anger.
“In a well-furnished kitchen there are not only crystal goblets and silver platters, but waste cans and compost buckets—some containers used to serve fine meals, others to take out the garbage. Become the kind of container God can use to present any and every kind of gift to his guests for their blessing.” 2 Timothy 2:20-21 The Message
Denzel plays a dualistic and double-minded pilot who's amazing skill saved a plane full of lives. All the while his alcoholism had and would continue to jeopardized far more. In the final courtroom and subsequent prison scene, Denzel explains to fellow inmates his phenomenal change of heart. “I just couldn't tell one more lie.” While lying had been his stock in trade, doing an astounding about face, he refused to mar the memory of a dead female flight attendant who had been a past lover and drinking buddy. Sticking with his original story would have insured his status as a wealthy hero and free man. Instead, he chose the costly road of repentance, resulting in public shame and imprisionment.
Coming to the end of ourselves, and the service of two masters, might we too awake from our stupor of worldliness and worse. Sooner rather than later.
Sacred Assembly After Pre Revival Repentance
From time to time there have been, and will continue to be, efforts made to attempt to address our obviously deteriorating spiritual condition. Some admirable. Others less so. Many target some form of renewal, revival or even reformation. Almost universally, such attempts fall far short of their objectives for several key reasons. These include:
1. Lack of Discernment: The ability to fully recognize the glaring need for individual and corporate repentance, both within and without modern Christianity, is in short supply. Less that one percent of church leaders are able and/or willing to do so. Of these, a small minority rightly diagnose the seriousness of the systemic disease. Sadly, even within this discerning fraction of a percentage, fewer still understand the severity of the treatment required to mitigate the ubiquitous and increasing levels of temptation and deception, worldliness and sin pandemic in society and Churchianity.
2. Faith vs Presumption: Well intentioned or not, it's surprisingly easy to think and/or act prematurely. Assuming salvation, inappropriate worship and claiming Scripture's promises without recognizing, much less adhering to their corresponding conditions, is the new norm. The same holds true for those who seek to rectify unprecedented disbelief and rebellion without fully following the New Testament's steps of brokenness and restoration. For an in-depth analysis of the necessary steps laid out in James 4 (J4) see GB's Prayer of Anguish (POA).
The following are just a few of the reasons we are currently not prepared to call the all important “Sacred Assembly” until successfully holding POA/J4 style meetings and accomplishing Pre-Revival Repentance.
1. Sacred Event: We are far from ready to be able to call a truly Biblical “Sacred Assembly.”
There’s only been a handful in Scripture. Best known are two Old Testament events including Solomon’s Temple dedication and Ezra’s repentance over foreign wives. In both cases there were kingdom leaders clearly delineated with the authority to call the Solemn or Sacred Assembly.
Solomon, as the doubly anointed king of Israel and literal son of David, did so at the dedication of the original temple:
- "When Solomon finished praying, a bolt of lightning out of heaven struck the Whole-Burnt-Offering and sacrifices and the Glory of GOD filled The Temple. The Glory was so dense that the priests couldn't get in—GOD so filled The Temple that there was no room for the priests! When all Israel saw the fire fall from heaven and the Glory of GOD fill The Temple, they fell on their knees, bowed their heads, and worshiped, thanking GOD: Yes! God is good! His love never quits! Then the king and all Israel worshiped, offering sacrifices to GOD. King Solomon worshiped by sacrificing 22,000 cattle and 120,000 sheep at the dedication of The Temple. The priests were all on duty; the choir and orchestra of Levites that David had provided for singing and playing anthems to the praise and love of GOD were all there; across the courtyard the priests blew trumpets. All Israelites were on their feet." 2 Chronicles 7:1-6 MSG
- "For seven days there were people there all the way from the far northeast (the Entrance to Hamath) to the far southwest (the Brook of Egypt)—a huge congregation. They started out celebrating for seven days, and then did it for another seven days, a week for dedicating the Altar and another for the Feast itself—two solid weeks of celebration! On the twenty-third day of the seventh month Solomon dismissed his congregation. They left rejoicing, exuberant over all the good GOD had done for David and Solomon and his people Israel." 2 Chronicles 7:8-10 MSG
The second was Ezra, the legitimate and recognized high priest, after the exile, in hopes of restoring godliness to Israel:
- " After all this was done, the leaders came to me and said, “The People of Israel, priests and Levites included, have not kept themselves separate from the neighboring people around here with all their vulgar obscenities—Canaanites, Hittites, Perizzites, Jebusites, Ammonites, Moabites, Egyptians, Amorites. They have given some of their daughters in marriage to them and have taken some of their daughters for marriage to their sons. The holy seed is now all mixed in with these other peoples. And our leaders have led the way in this betrayal.” When I heard all this, I ripped my clothes and my cape; I pulled hair from my head and out of my beard; I slumped to the ground, appalled. Many were in fear and trembling because of what God was saying about the betrayal by the exiles. They gathered around me as I sat there in despair, waiting for the evening sacrifice. At the evening sacrifice I picked myself up from my utter devastation, and in my ripped clothes and cape fell to my knees and stretched out my hands to God, my God. And I prayed: “My dear God, I’m so totally ashamed, I can’t bear to face you. O my God—our iniquities are piled up so high that we can’t see out; our guilt touches the skies." Ezra 9:1-6 MSG
- "Ezra wept, prostrate in front of The Temple of God. As he prayed and confessed, a huge number of the men, women, and children of Israel gathered around him. All the people were now weeping as if their hearts would break. Shecaniah son of Jehiel of the family of Elam, acting as spokesman, said to Ezra: “We betrayed our God by marrying foreign wives from the people around here. But all is not lost; there is still hope for Israel. Let’s make a covenant right now with our God, agreeing to get rid of all these wives and their children, just as my master and those who honor God’s commandment are saying. It’s what The Revelation says, so let’s do it. “Now get up, Ezra. Take charge—we’re behind you. Don’t back down.” Ezra 10:1-4 MSG
When God's people are primed to confess and repent of old and new sins, both in attitude and action, rightly and rightfully calling the Sacred Assembly has the desired effect. Currently however, the heavenly power of Solomon's dedication and the the brokenness of Ezra and his people, appear to be in short supply.
A New Testament example of a Sacred Assembly was arguably Holy Ghost fire falling on the day of Pentecost, sparked by a previous and unprecedented 50 day prayer meeting. Sounds like we could use our own in hopes of igniting genuine Pre-Revival Repentance.
2. Authoritative Leadership: There are currently no national or global leaders having demonstrated the power and Scriptural authority to call the Sacred Assembly. Unless you’re Catholic, where the Papal authority, even without corresponding miraculous power, might suffice.
3. Necessary Pre-Revival Repentance: The global tsunami of immorality unleashed by the 1960s sexual revolution set the stage for contraceptive and clinical abortion becoming the law of the land for over half a century. These, and a litany of other deceptions and sins, have been all but fully integrated into modern Christianity for almost as long. What is required is a thorough and lasting come to Jesus meeting that would make Christ’s judgment of His seven churches in Revelation pale by comparison.
All this and more being the case, what is necessary prior to calling the Sacred Assembly, is national, if not global, Pre Revival Repentance.
4. Accurate Discernment: The distinction between Abraham and Lot is that of a man of God versus a godly man. The primary difference is that Abraham knew who he was, where he was, when he was and what God was about to do. By comparison Lot seemed clueless. His righteousness, which no doubt far exceeded our own, did save him from judgment. Yet everything he prayed and worked for, knew and loved, was consumed by God's fiery judgment. As far as “who, where and when we are,” suffice if to say we are long beyond the brink of a moment of decision referenced by those who assume themselves, and even the remnant of the church, ready to call the Sacred Assembly. In point of fact, we’re far more likely to have long been in the belly of the beast (spirit of Antichrist) being digested for decades.
For example, no one truly sensitive to the Holy Spirit could possibly believe that our generation could globally abort tens of millions of the risen and glorified Christ’s "least brothers" year in and year out, for over half a century, and get away with it:
- "Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap." Galatians 6:7 NKJV
- "They sow the wind and reap the whirlwind." Hosea 8:7 NIV
These are just a few of the challenges arrayed before us. All of which strongly suggest the need for Prayer of Anguish/James 4 style meetings to arise in every city of every state, in every country of every continent.
For additional information covering these and related topics please see GB Articles: Prayer of Anguish, Missing Something, Litmus Test, A New Pentecost, If My People, Prophetic Advice, Sacred Assembly and Renewal, Revival, or Reformation.
UPDATE: Roe vs. Wade Overturned
To the joy of countless millions, on Friday 6/24/22 the landmark decision Hobbs vs. Jackson by the Supreme Court of the United States overturned Roe vs. Wade. Thus auspiciously ending 40 years of national tyranny against 60 million pre-born.
Or at lease throwing the decision to allow mothers to continue conspiring with physicians to murder the offspring within their wombs back to America's 50 individual states...
While I now live in North East Texas, years ago I spent nearly 100 Saturdays at Central California clinics warning and imploring up to twenty girls a day to spare their babies. Via public parking constraints, forced to pass near I implored, “If God gives you the gift of a child don’t let anyone harm it.”
Often alone, sometimes there would be nearly a handful of us. On a good day, one or two mothers would listen and change their minds.
On many other occasions none at all.
As in Christ's end time parable of the Sheep and Goats, there I discovered Jesus in His smallest and most innocent form. Totally dependent for “food” and “drink,” “naked” and “in prison” in the very womb of His mother. There I watched as He was repeatedly carried, “Like a lamb to the slaughter,” into a medical clinic. A most solemn and sorrowful scenario with grave spiritual ramifications.
One repeated in Fresno alone over 50,000 times.
In over two years I don’t recall a single member of the clergy or even lay leader joining us. Though I understand the odds may have somewhat improved through the influence of 40 Days For Life.
Only a fraction of fraction of a percent of ordained ministers have served as a director of a leading pro-life organization. Far less still have had the honor and responsibility to act as a leading liaison to over a thousand churches in state wide pro-life political initiatives.
With well over thirty years in strategic Christian service, including more than a decade of pastoral ministry and pro-life activism, the author is privileged to belong to a select fraternity. This and other articles and books represent a culmination of experience. Using such depth perception, this commentary is intended to introduce the true nature of the challenge presented by abortion. Particularly to modern Christianity.
During California’s 2005 Prop. 73 Parent’s Right To Know initiative I produced the pro-life political DVD entitled “Protect Me…Please” to be shown in hundreds, if not thousands of churches, prior to or on election Sunday. Groundbreaking, the 3 minute video featuring post abortive laments of teenage girls, made the front page of both the LA Times and San Francisco Chronicle. Prop. 73 failed by a narrow margin.
During the subsequent Prop. 85 initiative I achieved another milestone. For the first time, four leading Protestant state denominations, the Southern Baptists, Assemblies of God, Calvary Chapel and Foursquare, officially endorsed a political initiative. Again Parent’s Right to Know (PRK) was defeated.
Our third attempt in 2008 with Prop 4. affectionately dubbed “Sarah’s Law” failed as well. More than political, my involvement was spiritually motivated. After having spoken to thousands of Christians across denominational lines, it was clear that far less than 1% of either clergy or laity had the vaguest notion of the scale of abortion’s true threat to either the pre-born or the Church.
As a topical Biblical commentary, Quantum Christianity was designed in recognition of the need to examine and handle truth carefully and honestly. Scriptural and otherwise. The nationalized legalization of clinical abortion, and its apparent overruling, presents a perfect case in point.
A faithful handling of the Old and New Testament requires would be students and adherents to develop spiritual discernment on a variety of subjects crucial to Scriptural Christianity. The lack of which has produced hundreds of differing denominations espousing various Christs and versions of the gospel. Tragically, many of the hopeful insights inherent in Christ's command to "Judge with righteous judgment" continue to go largely unrealized within modern Christianity.
Such is certainly the case when considering the American church's 40 year track record in regards to appropriately responding to abortion. Or more accurately, the lack thereof. Both clinically and contraceptively.
Bear in mind that church attending Christians could have ended abortion in a single day, 365 days a year, for nearly 40 years, by simply sending 1% of our congregations to have family friendly picnics in front of every abortion clinic in America. With thousands peacefully blocking entrances, even should there be numerous arrests, the sheer numbers involved would shut down all abortuaries in a single day. With 99% more authentically pro-life Christians waiting for a chance to join cause.
Yet nothing could be further from the case.
Nor have we seriously addressed the widespread use of abortifacient contraception throughout Christendom. A topic that many, if not most, pro-life organizations know or speak little about. Most often chemical in nature, early term abortions are a result of various forms of birth control and other devices. Abortions of this kind happen before the mother is aware of her pregnancy. The exact numbers are unknown. Some estimates suggest the daily total of these types of abortions may be surprising large. In the U.S. alone perhaps between 834,000 to over 4,000,000 per year (Dr. Bobmir Kuhar, Infant Homicides Through Contraceptives Pg 27.) Lower estimates range around 100,000 to over 1,500,000 annually (Randy Alcorn: Does the Birth Control Pill Cause Abortions? How Often Does the Pill Cause Abortions?)
Thus the compelling need to rethink Jesus' directive to "Judge with righteous judgment" should be abundantly evident.
But is it? Throughout the Hobbs vs. Jackson decision by the Supreme Court celebratory posts and podcasts, sermons and ceremonies, is there any awareness of the reality of the seriousness our situation? Or brokenhearted repentance in light of the depth of our failures?
Are any of today's joyful messages cognizant of the Bible's repeated warning that God is not mocked.
- “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked [He will not allow Himself to be ridiculed, nor treated with contempt nor allow His precepts to be scornfully set aside]; for whatever a man sows, this and this only is what he will reap. Galatians 6:7 AMP
- For they sow the wind [in evil] And they reap the whirlwind [in disaster]. Hosea 8:7 AMP
Such devilish sociopolitical engineering undoubtedly ushered in such modern woes as career felon George Floyd's sainthood and efforts to undermine criminal justice. Antifa and BLM riots and violence. CRT and orchestrated racial tensions. C19's plandemic and goal overreach. Medical interference and harmful vaccines. Woke agenda and transgenderism. Biden's malevolent war on Ukraine and America's economy. All part of the Great Reset.
And these are just the highlights. All coordinated and choreographed by the clearly visible and menacing Iron Triangle of liberal global politics, media and corporations.
Yet even now, modern Christianity, up to and including the vast majority of Prophetic Christians, refuses to discern the clearly repeated handwriting on the wall. And having done so, to enter the crucible of James 4's Prayer of Anguish in hopes of James 5's reconciliation to, and empowerment by, God.
Particularly the Person of the Holy Spirit, Whom we continue to annoy and grieve, if not profane and blaspheme.
Instead, across America, Laodicea is masquerading as Philadelphia. Lauding the Supreme Court for Hobbs vs. Jackson while the highest court in the land continues to sidestep or support all the devastating atrocities mentioned above. Many of which modern Christianity has yet to Scripturally repent of, up to and including sins of clinical and/or contraceptive abortion. In regards to commission and/or omission.
Mankind’s current pinnacle sin of abortion is spiritually quantum in a variety of ways. For example, it’s hardly just like any other sin. Even so, as with any other sin, it does require the event and process of genuine repentance. Like faith itself, honest and heartfelt repentance encompasses our entire mind, heart and will. As required by 2 Chronicles 7:14’s perfect formula for repentance.
The New Testament reiterates this principle in multiple ways. Putting the penance in repentance, Scripture reinforces the need for a change of both attitude and action as exemplified in the old adage, “When is a thief not a thief?” The Bible’s answer is not when someone merely confesses. In and of itself a rarity these days. Not even when a thief stops stealing. That’s just an out of work thief. But rather:
- “If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need.” Ephesians 4:28 New Living Translation
Herein lies one of several grave errors in modern Christianity’s understanding of Biblical repentance. All too often members are bid to simply believe in the cross of Christ, with little or no discussion of practical aspects of repentance and/or restitution. Much less of His command we daily shoulder our own. As Jesus’ brother James warned in regards to living and dead faith:
- “Do I hear you professing to believe in the one and only God, but then observe you complacently sitting back as if you had done something wonderful? That’s just great. Demons do that, but what good does it do them? Use your heads! Do you suppose for a minute that you can cut faith and works in two and not end up with a corpse on your hands?” James 2:19-20 The Message
In continued support of conflict theology, a military analogy perfectly exemplifies Scripture’s emphasis on the crucial 3 step process of genuine repentance:
- Halt: “If you are a thief, quit stealing.”
- About Face: “Instead, use your hands for good hard work…”
- March: “and then give generously to others in need.”
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For a hyperlink footnoted version of this article see eBook Quantum Christianity Introduction Volume 2
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